E404 · Calcium alginate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E404?
Calcium alginate is the calcium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed, known for forming a firm gel on contact with water. It is used in food as a gelling agent in products such as jellies and gummies, and famously in molecular gastronomy for spherification. It is also widely used in wound dressings for its absorbent properties, and is considered safe for consumption as a form of soluble fiber.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium alginate, Ca-alginate, Food grade calcium alginate, Calcium alginate powder, Calcium alginate solution, Additivo alimentare calcium alginate, Additif alimentaire calcium alginate, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff calcium alginate, Calcium salt of alginic acid, Alginate calcium, Sodium calcium alginate, Alginate-Ca.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Very high intakes of any added fiber may cause bloating or mild digestive discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Is E404 safe?
Our overall verdict for E404 (Calcium alginate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E404 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium alginate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E404 and why is it used?
Calcium alginate is the calcium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed, known for forming a firm gel on contact with water. It is used in food as a gelling agent in products such as jellies and gummies, and famously in molecular gastronomy for spherification. It is also widely used in wound dressings for its absorbent properties, and is considered safe for consumption as a form of soluble fiber.
Does E404 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium alginate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.